Published: 31.10.2026
The Irish Government plans to increase the reckonable residence requirement for naturalisation from five to eight years and introduce language and civics tests. Requirements on financial self-sufficiency and recent receipt of certain social supports are also being considered, while the five-year rule may be retained for some workers already in Ireland.
According to the sources, the proposed changes could significantly delay citizenship by raising the reckonable residence period to eight years, while time spent under some statuses, including temporary protection for Ukrainians, may not count. Applicants would also have to demonstrate proficiency in English, Irish or Irish Sign Language and pass a test on Irish society and politics. This is particularly relevant to current residents, workers, students planning a long-term status and families relying on naturalisation; some workers already in Ireland may receive a transitional exception. Anyone close to applying for citizenship or planning a long-term move should monitor this closely because the Government aims to enact the new rules by the end of the year.